27 September 2016

Justin Lester announces post election summit to grow Wellington

Wellington mayoral candidate Justin Lester has announced his intention to hold a post election summit within six weeks of the local body elections to build consensus around a plan to grow Wellington under his mayoralty.

The summit will be preceded by an online “Share an Idea” community crowdsourcing where all Wellingtonians can provide suggestions on making the city even better, with results reported back to the summit.

The summit would involve attendees from central Government, local businesses, Iwi, NGOs, local community groups and organisations, city and regional councillors and others.

“I'm going to get cracking on day one. This summit offers the chance for all the diverse voices in Wellington to come together behind a united plan,” said Justin Lester.

"Rebuilding the relationship with central Government is important to me and to the city. This summit will be the starting point of regular ongoing engagement with Government and key stakeholders.

“Getting the Government on board early around the city's plans for the next three years, and in particular their contribution to our success, will mark a fresh start in the relationship.

"We need to get key transport and housing projects moving to unleash available Government investment in the city.

“I think it would be great to have a point Minister in Government for Wellington issues to make it easier to get things done for the city.

"At the summit I will present my action plan to grow our city focusing on jobs, infrastructure, transport, housing, community services and events and the environment.

“I also want the voice of the community heard through the Share an Idea initiative where anyone can submit an idea to help make Wellington even better. I want as much input as possible around a clear and coherent agenda to drive the city forward during my first term as mayor.

"It's very important to me that the city is working towards a clear plan and that we partner with as many people as possible to deliver it. If elected I want to make planning and collaboration a hallmark of my mayoralty.”

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